• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Allie Carte Dishes logo

  • Recipes
    • Cooking Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Crock Pot
      • Instant Pot
      • Oven
      • Stovetop
    • Course
      • Appetizer
      • Breakfast
      • Dessert
      • Main Dish
      • Sides
    • Cuisine
      • American
      • Copycat
      • Italian
      • Mexican
      • Takeout
    • Drinks
      • Alcohol
    • Meat
      • Beef
      • Chicken/Turkey
        • Chicken Breast
        • Chicken Tenderloin
        • Ground Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Pasta
    • Sauces
    • Vegetable
    • Vegetarian
  • Fave Products
  • Guides & More!
    • Guides
    • Grocery
    • Meal Prep
    • Product Reviews
    • Restaurants and Fast Food
  • About Me
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Restaurants and Fast Food
  • Fave Products
  • Grocery
  • Guides
  • Meal Prep
  • Product Reviews
  • Contact
  • Recipes and Links
×

Home » Recipes » Copycat

July 5, 2022 Air Fryer

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This is the best copycat recipe for the panda express honey sesame chicken breast. It is crispy, juicy chicken breasts, covered in a delicious sauce. Then, paired with vegetables and served on rice. You cannot beat this!

If you know me, you know my top two food categories are takeout dishes and copycat dishes. Therefore, I put the two together and made some Panda Express honey sesame chicken!

The best copycat recipe for the panda express honey sesame chicken breast

The recipe can be easily doubled, tripled, quadrupled, etc. It also makes great lunch leftovers! And don’t worry, I always build in extra sauce in my recipes to pour over your rice!

I started my blog with takeout dishes and copycat recipes! You may know me from my air fryer sweet and sour chicken, orange chicken, or general tso chicken. If you are a Chick-fil-A lover, you probably know me from my copycat nuggets and sauce. These are some of my most popular recipes and my favorites! I had to combine my two favorite loves and make a copycat recipe for the Panda Express honey sesame chicken breast.

What You Need for Honey Sesame Chicken

First off, you will need an air fryer, you can use a basket type air fryer; but, I really like a rack type air fryer as well. 

Next, a couple ingredients, super simple, basic stuff. 

  • Chicken tenderloins
  • Soy sauce
  • Egg whites
  • Cornstarch
  • Flour
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Seasonings
  • Honey
  • Brown sugar
  • Ketchup
  • Green beans
  • Yellow bell pepper
  • Onion (not traditional but I add them)
  • Sesame seeds

Okay, it may seem like a lot, but I promise it is all worth it! However, we can also go over some suggestions and substations.

Chicken Tenderloins

I typically use chicken tenderloins when I need nuggets sized chicken, but you can use other cuts of chicken. Chicken tenderloins are already thin, so minimal cutting is required, which is why I like them. However, chicken breasts or chicken thighs can work well too. But, you can use beef, pork or even tofu if you are vegetarian. Any kind of protein will work great in this recipe. Remember to cut the chicken, or your preferable substitution, in the same size, so they are all cooked simultaneously.

Soy Sauce

I use a gluten free, low sodium soy sauce here. It will not only be used for the sauce; however, also be utilized to coat the chicken in the breading mixture. This will make the chicken super tasty!

However, you can use a regular soy sauce. But, please me mindful of the sodium content if you are not using a low sodium version.

Egg Whites

For the eggs, I do prefer liquid egg whites as it is a smoother, less clumpy consistency; however, regular eggs do work. Whisk the eggs before beginning.

Cornstarch, Flour and Breadcrumbs

Cornstarch, flour and breadcrumbs come together to form the PERFECT breading for these Panda Express honey sesame chicken bites. I love using cornstarch for takeout dishes as it makes for the best consistency.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar replacement is a staple in my household, it is great on so many dishes. I use the Swerve brand; however, Splenda has a brown sugar blend, and, alternatively, you can use regular brown sugar.

Ketchup

Again, I use a sugar free ketchup. My favorite is from G Hughes and it is so good! However, you can use a regular ketchup, just be mindful of the added sugar.

Vegetables

Panda Express uses yellow bell pepper strips and green beans in their honey sesame chicken. I used those two and added some onion because I love onions! However, you can substitute or add any vegetables that you wish.

And don’t worry, I always build in extra sauce in my recipes to pour over your vegetables and rice!

for the slurry

What is a slurry? It is a liquid-y mixture that makes the sauce thick! It just combines corn starch with some water. Add that into the sauce, after it is made, until you reach your desired thickness. I typically do not need this; however, if you do, that is how you thicken a sauce.

Panda express honey sesame chicken

How to Make The Copycat Recipe for Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast

First, let's go over how to make the actual crispy chicken pieces. As mentioned, it does seem like a lot of ingredients but I promise it is so easy to make, and most importantly, so worth it.

How to Make the Chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees, greasing the basket with cooking spray.

Start by slicing up the chicken tenderloins into bite sizes pieces, about 1 inch by 1 inch. Place those in a bowl with the soy sauce and egg whites, mixing to combine.

In another bowl, combine all the ingredients for the breading, the flour, breadcrumbs, cornstarch and seasonings.

One by one, grab a chicken piece, shaking off any excess liquid, and covering that in the breading mixture. Place that in the air fryer basket, trying not to let the pieces touch. Repeat that for each chicken piece. If multiple batches are required, do not start breading until ready to cook.

Once all the chicken nuggets are coated, place in the greased air fryer and air fry for 1 minute. Spray chicken with cooking spray (this will emulate actual frying, while keeping this sweet and sour chicken healthy) then air fry for another 3 minutes. Flip/shake the chicken and spray with cooking spray again. Air fry for another 4-6 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked.

How to Make the Vegetables

As the chicken cooks, slice the vegetables into thin strips. Grease a small pan and heat over medium high heat. Once heated, add the vegetables and sauté until slightly soft, about 5 minutes.

How to Make the Sauce

This Panda Express honey sesame chicken recipe has the absolute best sauce!

Heat a small pan over medium high heat. Add all the ingredients for the sauce together, in a small bowl. Whisk together until all the brown sugar and honey are dissolved into the liquids.

Add to the heated pan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low/low medium and let simmer until thickened.

for the slurry

What is a slurry? It is a liquid-y mixture that makes the sauce thick! It just combines corn starch with some water. Add that into the sauce, after it is made, until you reach your desired thickness. I typically do not need this; however, if you do, that is how you thicken a sauce.

Combine everything together

Once the chicken is cooked, the sauce is thickened and the vegetables have softened, add the chicken and vegetables to the sauce pan and toss to coat. Top with sesame seeds and enjoy!

Recipe for honey sesame chicken

I serve mine with rice, of course! You can use my instant pot rice recipe or my stovetop rice recipe to make some. But, I also highly recommend a rice cooker. And don’t worry, I always build in extra sauce in my recipes to pour over your rice!

Low Carb Ideas

If you want to make this recipe lower carb, you can skip the breading part. These Panda Express honey sesame chicken bites are amazing without breading too! Also, instead of rice, try some riced cauliflower. It is delicious with this sauce.

So, what do you think? Skipping the takeout and trying my recipe?


Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken

The best copycat recipe for the panda express honey sesame chicken breast.

The best copycat recipe for the panda express honey sesame chicken breast

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken

If you know me, you know my top two food categories are takeout dishes and copycat dishes. Therefore, I put the two together and made some Panda Express honey sesame chicken! 
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine Copycat, Takeout
Servings 3 people
Calories 312 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
 

Chicken

  • 12 ounces chicken tenderloins
  • ⅛ cup soy sauce low sodium
  • ⅛ cup liquid egg whites
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup flour all-purpose
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ½ teaspoon ginger ground

Vegetables

  • 1 bell pepper yellow
  • ¼ pound green beans
  • ½ white onion

Sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce low-sodium
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar replacement
  • 1 tablespoon sugar free ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon ginger ground

Instructions

Chicken

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees, greasing the basket with cooking spray. 
  • Start by slicing up the chicken tenderloins into bite sizes pieces, about 1 inch by 1 inch. Place those in a bowl with the soy sauce and egg whites, mixing to combine. 
  • In another bowl, combine all the ingredients for the breading, the flour, breadcrumbs, cornstarch and seasonings. 
  • One by one, grab a chicken piece, shaking off any excess liquid, and covering that in the breading mixture. Place that in the air fryer basket, trying not to let the pieces touch. Repeat that for each chicken piece. If multiple batches are required, do not start breading until ready to cook. 
  • Once all the chicken nuggets are coated, place in the greased air fryer and air fry for 1 minute. Spray chicken with cooking spray (this will emulate actual frying, while keeping this sweet and sour chicken healthy) then air fry for another 3 minutes. Flip/shake the chicken and spray with cooking spray again. Air fry for another 4-6 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked.

Vegetables

  • As the chicken cooks, slice the vegetables into thin strips. Grease a small pan and heat over medium high heat. Once heated, add the vegetables and sauté until slightly soft, about 5 minutes. 

Sauce

  • Heat a small pan over medium high heat. Add all the ingredients for the sauce together, in a small bowl. Whisk together until all the brown sugar and honey are dissolved into the liquids. 
  • Add to the heated pan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low/low medium and let simmer until thickened. 
  • Once the chicken is cooked, the sauce is thickened and the vegetables have softened, add the chicken and vegetables to the sauce pan and toss to coat. Top with sesame seeds and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 8 piecesCalories: 312kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 32gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 73mgPotassium: 754mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1670IUVitamin C: 61mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Chicken Tenderloin
Course Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine Copycat, Takeout
Tried this recipe?Mention @Allie.Carte.Dishes or tag #alliecartedishes!
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
Air fryer sweet and sour chicken nuggets are battered, yet healthy, this is how to make the best sweet and sour chicken sauce 
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer General Tso Chicken
There’s no excuse to get takeout when we have AMAZING dishes like this one! I have been making this dish SO SO much recently and I don’t care! It’s insanely delicious, low on points and tastes just like the real thing! 
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
My orange chicken is in my top two favorite recipes of mine (right behind sweet and sour). It is a fan favorite and probably better than takeout!
Check out this recipe
Air fryer orange chicken
Sesame Chicken
There is no need to get takeout now when you can have the best meal at home! And I guarantee you, this will save you a ton of points!
Check out this recipe
Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
A spicy, yet slightly sweet, super creamy sauce
Check out this recipe
Homemade Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
this will literally taste like you just got takeout from your local hibachi place
Check out this recipe
Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
Check out this recipe
Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets
I have been LIVING off Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets so I thought I would just make my own! They have the perfect Chick-fil-A taste and pairing them with my copycat sauce makes them even better! Now you can enjoy everything about the drive-thru at home!
Check out this recipe
The only recipe you need for the best copycat chick-fil-a grilled chicken nuggets that are the compete dupe to the restaurant ones!
Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce
makes about 5 tablespoons of sauce
Check out this recipe
Copycat KFC Bowl
all of these flavors come together for a delicious bowl
Check out this recipe
Copycat Big Mac
bun not included in points/calories
Check out this recipe
Zero Point Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
skip the high calorie version of this and make mine at home! tastes amazing
Check out this recipe

On Weight Watchers and looking for a points value? Then, click this link and your points will be automatically calculated for you! Not all the breading ingredients will be used so I adjusted accordingly.

Share this:
« Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
Air Fryer Ground Beef »

Categories: Air Fryer Tags: air fryer, healthy recipe

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken - Allie Carte Dishes says:
    July 18, 2022 at 8:32 PM

    […] If you know me, you know my top two food categories are takeout dishes and copycat dishes. Therefore, I put the two together and made some Panda Express teriyaki chicken! This comes after my Panda Express honey sesame chicken. […]

    Reply
  2. Air Fryer Nuggets - Allie Carte Dishes says:
    July 26, 2022 at 7:30 PM

    […] Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken […]

    Reply
  3. Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken (Copycat Recipe) - Allie Carte Dishes says:
    July 26, 2022 at 8:10 PM

    […] I put the two together and made some Panda Express sweet fire chicken! I already did their honey sesame chicken as well so check that […]

    Reply
  4. Crispy Almond Chicken Breast Panda Express - Allie Carte Dishes says:
    October 11, 2022 at 6:24 PM

    […] put the two together and made some Panda Express crispy almond chicken breast! This comes after my Panda Express honey sesame chicken, Panda Express teriyaki chicken, and my Panda Express sweet fire chicken […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Hello and Welcome!

Allie Carte Profile Photo

Hey, I'm Allie! I am a 20-something-year-old, born and raised in Florida. Hello fellow foodie friend and welcome to Allie Carte Dishes! You are going to LOVE it here. I create all my own delicious recipes for everyone to enjoy. I love to reinvent classic dishes into more everyday-friendly meals for you to enjoy.

More about me →

Search

Popular

  • All you need are three ingredients to make this protein lemonade drink, just a premier protein shake and lemonade, without any protein powder.
    Protein Lemonade
  • This fiesta Mexican corn dip is made with hidden valley ranch mix and just three extra ingredients for the easiest and most delicious appetizer!
    Fiesta Corn Dip
  • Queso Smothered Chicken Casserole
  • Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken
  • Cheeseburger Bombs
  • One Point Alfredo
  • Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips
  • Zero Point Onion Dip
  • Homemade Blackened Chicken Strips
  • The only recipe you need for the best copycat chick-fil-a grilled chicken nuggets that are the compete dupe to the restaurant ones!
    Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets

  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Fave Products
  • Grocery
  • Guides
  • Guides & More!
  • Meal Prep
  • Privacy Policy
  • Product Reviews
  • Recipes
  • Recipes and Links
  • Reinventing your Favorite a la Carte Dishes
  • Restaurants and Fast Food

Footer

About

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

Subscribe below to get all my new recipes sent to your email

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Pinterest

Thanks for stopping by! See you again soon!

Copyright © 2021 Allie Carte Dishes.

 

Loading Comments...